Twenty years after former Minister of Power Barth Nnaji first proposed the project, President Bola Tinubu opened the Geometric Power Plant in Aba on Monday. Additionally, Tinubu opened three roads in Aba—Queens Street, Jubilee, and Omoba—that had been restored by Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima spoke on behalf of President Tinubu during the official opening of the Geometric Power Plant. He said, “Today in Abia, we saw the testimony of good leadership,” and that “this project bears testimony to the power of dreams.”
Otti said that the initiative was the outcome of having the ability to dream, stating that Aba’s power project has made the city accessible to both domestic and foreign companies.
The governor warned Geometric against customer extortion, urging the power company not to take undue advantage of the monopoly they have. In his speech, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelebu, said, “The Integrated Aba Power Project is a sign that the long-time power problem in Nigeria will be resolved, calling on the Aba people to secure the project.
The minister disclosed, “An end is coming to estimated billing. There will not be estimated bills any longer, as consumers will now know what he is paying for”.
In his opening address, the proprietor of Geometric Power, Nnaji described the project as “a child of necessity”, having taken him 20 years to realise. While thanking those who assisted in the realisation of the project, Nnaji stated that the project cost him $800 million, and pleaded with the Federal Government to help with a reliable gas supply. Earlier, Tinubu said the presidency is proud of the Abia State governor “for his developmental strides” in the state.
“Within the last nine months, people of Abia State have witnessed a change in their fortunes. Abia is working, we are quite proud of the accomplishments of Alex Otti. He has brought to bear his wealth of experience, intellect, and exposure to the development of Abia State,” he said.
The president emphasised that quality leadership is very crucial to the development of the society, appreciating Otti for his humility and the developments he is bringing to Abia. Responding, the Abia helmsman said the roads being commissioned were strategic and built to last.
“These roads were built to last. When we do this, we want to give the power back to the people. We want to give access to you. We want you to go back to what you do and what you know how to do without any obstruction and that is why we have promised that every part of Aba must be touched,” he said.
